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The goal of this function is to develop a positive case for Christianity as a belief system that should be accepted. Philosophically, this means drawing out the logical implications of the Christian worldview so that they can be clearly seen and contrasted with alternate worldviews. The second function is defense. This function is closest to the NT and early Christian use of the word apologia, defending Christianity against the plethora of attacks made against it in every generation by critics of varying belief systems.

The ancient and the modern. Are we talking about modern ideas of history or ancient ones? Were the biblical writers attempting to write history as we understand it? If they were not attempting to write a modern history, just what were they trying to do? The word history is normally understood in two senses: (1) what actually happened in the past, or (2) the telling (or writing) about what happened in the past. The first sense is objective (although some deny even this); the second necessarily filters those events through the personality of the historian.

Richard R. Melick, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Introduction and Notes: Philippians Eugene H. Merrill, Dallas Theological Seminary, Introduction and Notes: Deuteronomy Stephen R. Miller, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Introduction and Notes: Daniel R. ” J. P. ” Russell D. ” Ronald H. ” James A. ” Richard D. Patterson, Liberty University, Introduction and Notes: Job Barbara B. ” Stanley E. Porter, McMaster Divinity College, Introduction and Notes: Acts Charles L. Quarles, Louisiana College, Introduction and Notes: 1, 2 Timothy, Titus Scott B.